10 Breathtaking Natural Sights You’ll Want To Explore In Iceland

Thinking of visiting Iceland? One thing’s for sure – you won’t be disappointed!

This beautiful island country is one of the very best places to discover a natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. Where in the world can you see geothermal geysers, the northern lights and icebergs all in one place!

The good news is, you don’t have to be a National Geographic adventurer, pioneering explorer or even rolling in gold to enjoy so many of Iceland’s beautiful (and free) sights. Take a look below at the best natural sights that you should include within your Icelandic Holiday Itinerary:

1.) Walk Behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Arguably one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss is definitely a must-see sight when visiting Southern Iceland. About 2.5 hours south east of Reykjavik – this stunning waterfall is the perfect place to explore on your route further east.

It’s close by the beautiful Skogafoss waterfall that you can visit and hopefully spot a mini rainbow too!

Quite literally too! The Mid Atlantic ridge is the diverging point of two tectonic plates that are slowly pulling the whole of Iceland apart. Walk between the two ridges and discover what it’s like to be stood right in the middle of Mother Nature’s tug-of-war!

Forget the white sandy beaches of the Maldives, Iceland has it’s own dramatic beach that’s worth a visit in Vik! Around 4 hours east of Reykjavik this dazzling sight is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Set up shop on the rocky cliffs and watch the sun set over Iceland’s dramatic landscape.

4.) Spot a Geysir eruption!

Every ten minutes or so, (and located in the aptly named, geysir) the great geyser of Iceland (called Strokkur) erupts in the most fantastic display – shooting geothermal heated water up several feet in the air. Geysir is around 90 minutes from the centre of Reykjavik. Access is totally free and you can literally stand a few metres away from the huge water eruption!

5.) Count icebergs at Jökulsárlón

The Glacier Lagoon, or Jökulsárlón as it’s known locally, is around 6 hours east of Reykjavik by car. It’s a perfect stop when visiting Vik and staying at the impressive, Hotel Laki (where they’ll even wake you up when the northern lights come out to play). Stop around midday and enjoy a little bite to eat in the cafe that borders the lagoo as it’s the perfect place to watch the glaciers float by with the warmth of a hot chocolate!

N.B.: Try not to slip on ice like Yaya did! 😉

6.) See the power of Gulfoss

Gulfoss is only 10 minutes or so away from the Great Geysir, making a visit an easy addition to your itinerary for a day! Take a wander and explore the sheer force of this impressive waterfall!

7.) Bathe in a naturally sourced Geothermal pool!

The geothermal pools at Laugarvatn Fontana are built completely above a natural hot springs that creates these very warm baths. After bathing, you can even help bake and eat some bread that is cooked in the hot ground around the pools! See how it’s done, here.

8.) Lather yourself in the stunning Blue Lagoon

For a geothermal pool that’s closer to the airport, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon, with its impressive pools and spa treatments! I’d go on but I’m pretty sure the Blue Lagoon doesn’t need much of an intro, right? 😉

9.) Askja

Despite being one of the most remote sights of the lot, Askja is well worth a visit! It can be quite tricky to get to and although completely free you might be wise to consider a guided tour that takes around 12 hours. Plan a day and discover a truly beautiful Askja Caldera and volcano, you won’t be disappointed!

10.) Northern Lights

You might (or might not) be lucky enough to spot the northern lights on your trip to Iceland but try you must! The best chance to spot the northern lights is in between September to March (shorter days, longer nights), head away from the city and any other light pollution to discover one of natures most awe inspiring light shows!